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Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Buying Scraps


1/4 of these fabrics are from a store scrap bin

I know it sounds counter-intuitive to buy scraps when we already make them while working on our quilty projects but buying them adds a lot of variety to the stash I already have. That and it's cheaper than buying FQs or even yardage to get that something-new fix!

Y'all know I like scrappy projects...most recently has been my hexie puzzle but what about Obsession, any of Bonnie's quilt patterns or about half of the things I have been making for the upcoming bazaar? Someone else's scraps add a lot of life to the scraps we already own.

Of the 6 quilt stores that I go to at least twice a year, 3 have a great scrap program, 2 are low key and 1 has no program that I'm aware of.

Two of the stores sell scraps buy the ounce - the variety and amount of scraps changes every time I visit. One of the stores has an overflowing bin to pick thru and you pay by the inch. The other two stores sell gallon zip lock bags full of scraps (and they are stuffed!) for ~$6. Some bags are themed and some are random. While I like being able to pick my scraps, the bags are a much better deal!

A couple weeks ago I bought 2 bags at the store farthest from me. This is what was left after I started cutting in to them and remembered I should take a photo. There are WOF strips, layer cakes and random shapes. I bet there was at least 3 yards of fabric when I started - not bad for $12.


Even better was this little surprise!!!! Woot Woot!!! I've never seen pear "dots."



Sew...tell me...have you succumbed to the scrap bins at your LQS for a fabric fix?


12 comments:

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Always fun to play with different fabric scraps - our usual suspects get a little boring after the 6th project with them. Our LQS has a 'drop' box for people's scrap donations - either for sit-n-sew or a class or for a charity sew-in.

Missy Shay said...

I am needing just a few small pieces of TX fabric for a quilt block, so I was going to see if there was any at the scrap bin at my LQS, it's by the bag but you fill it. I figured it would be better than buying yardage.

Judy Dietrich said...

Oh yeah, I have collected scrap bags from a favorite store for quite a few years. They started out as $8.99 a package and are now $10.99. They pack a pound of fabric into the plastic bags and some are coordinated. I love the repro bags the best. The fun part is you can see the scraps on the outside, but not always the ones in the middle. So you do get those suprise pieces!!! They always said that they are about 3 yards of fabric. They come from ends of bolts, kit cutting extras and mistake cuttings. They are great for hexies!!! I figure I am now paying about $3.50 a yard and getting more than 15 different fabrics to work with. Works for me.

Janet O. said...

The local store that had the best scrap bin closed down a few years ago, but I was known as the Bag Lady there. I paw through the only other place with a scrap bin whenever I am in, but you fill a sandwich sized baggie for $5.00 Not such a screamin' deal. Yours looks great--I would be fighting you for the best scraps!! : )

Deb@asimplelifequilts said...

I love to buy scrap bags and I do it all the time!

Denise :) said...

I think scraps make perfect sense -- especially for someone who's so 'hexie' minded as you are! I love, love, *love* scraps!!! :)

Carla said...

Look at you go! I love scraps. Aren't those selvedges cute.
I once won some scraps. Always fun to have new scraps

Jill said...

That's quite a bargain. Okay, now I need to go to my quilt shops and see if they have scrap bins or bags! I'm usually so drawn to all the pretty new fabrics I've never even looked for scraps before, but they're a great idea.

Frances Meredith said...

Looking at your Hexi Project - who wouldn't want more scraps?

Anonymous said...

I love to buy bags of scraps and never find them in my area quilt shops. That's always my goal when we visit Ohio Amish Country in the fall.
Lillian

AnnieO said...

I never fail to hit the remnant bin at the local fabric stores, and my local quilt store does sell scraps in bags, usually gathered together into loose color groups. I love scraps!

Wendy said...

I love getting scraps...but none of them sell scraps that way! You are very lucky indeed...